What is the primary purpose of a traceability matrix?

What is the primary purpose of a traceability matrix?

• A. Map to budgets
• B. Link to design and tests
• C. Link to schedule
• D. Link to stakeholders

Answer: (B)

A traceability matrix ties each requirement to the design elements that implement it and to the test cases that verify it. The main idea is to prove coverage: for every requirement there is a corresponding design component and a test that validates it. This bidirectional mapping helps ensure nothing essential is left out and that what’s built can be tested to confirm it meets the requirement. It also supports change management—if a requirement changes, you can quickly see which design parts and tests are affected. It’s focused on showing alignment between what was asked, what is built, and how it will be tested, rather than on budgets, schedules, or stakeholders.

A traceability matrix ties each requirement to the design elements that implement it and to the test cases that verify it. The main idea is to prove coverage: for every requirement there is a corresponding design component and a test that validates it. This bidirectional mapping helps ensure nothing essential is left out and that what’s built can be tested to confirm it meets the requirement. It also supports change management—if a requirement changes, you can quickly see which design parts and tests are affected. It’s focused on showing alignment between what was asked, what is built, and how it will be tested, rather than on budgets, schedules, or stakeholders.